5 reasons to use Intermodal freight transportation

5 reasons to use Intermodal Freight Transportation

Intermodal freight transportation is a seamless and efficient method of moving goods that utilises multiple modes of transport. By combining the strengths of rail, road, and sea transport, intermodal transportation leverages each mode's advantages to deliver goods from origin to destination in the most effective way possible.

The key to this system is the intermodal container, a standardised unit that follows the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) dimension guidelines. These standardised dimensions ensure that containers can be easily transferred between trucks, trains, and ships without the need to unload and reload the cargo. This ensures the integrity of the products and significantly reduces handling times and costs.

At Nedstar, we work closely with the biggest transporters in the industry to match your ethanol needs. Our transportation options include barge vessels, tank trucks, ISO tank containers, IBCs and drums.

Advantages of Intermodal Freight Transportation

There are several benefits of using intermodal freight transportation that make it a smart choice for businesses aiming to optimise their logistics:

1. Environmental benefits

Green intermodal freight transport significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, making it a preferred choice for companies committed to sustainability. This not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also aligns with environmental regulations and corporate social responsibility goals. According to the Association of American Railroads, trains can move a ton of freight around 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, which is about four times more efficient than trucks.

2. Cost efficiency

By integrating various modes of transport, intermodal freight transportation often proves to be more cost-effective than relying solely on one mode. Rail and sea transport are more economical for long distances compared to trucking due to their fuel efficiency and big capacity. Also, in Europe, one can avoid some weight restrictions by using rail.

3. Reliability and safety

Intermodal transportation offers high reliability and security for shipments. The use of standardized containers ensures that, in general, goods are less exposed to handling damage and theft, as they are transferred seamlessly between modes of transport.

4. Flexibility

The ability to combine different transportation modes provides great flexibility. Businesses can tailor their logistics strategies to balance cost, speed, and environmental impact. This is particularly useful in navigating disruptions in one mode by shifting to another seamlessly.

5. Global reach

Intermodal transportation is ideal for international shipping, offering a coherent solution that connects continents. With well-established routes and hubs, it facilitates global trade by connecting ports, railways, and roads, ensuring smooth transit across borders.

The Greening Freight Package

The European Commission proposed a Greening Freight Package in 2023 to make intermodal freight transportation more sustainable and efficient. Initiatives include better integrating the different modes within a multimodal transport system and increasing efficiency within the sector.

This can be achieved by improving rail infrastructure management and offering new incentives for low-emission trucks - the more efficient the use of rail capacity, the more sustainable and effective the logistics network. One of the main goals of this proposal, which is part of the European Green Deal strategy, is to decrease transport CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2050.

Nedstar's Intermodal transportation options

Intermodal freight transportation is a forward-thinking approach that combines efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility. As businesses seek to optimise their logistics and reduce their environmental impact, intermodal transportation presents a compelling solution. By embracing this method, companies can achieve cost savings, enhance reliability, and contribute to a greener future.

At Nedstar, we are proud to support and inform our clients about these innovative logistics solutions, helping you navigate the complexities of modern transportation with ease and confidence. You can also learn more about our packaging options here.